High Concentrations Research Articles

Clinical Trial Protocol for VIOLET: A Single-Center, Phase I/II Trial Evaluation of Radioligand Treatment in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer with [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-I&T.

[177Lu]Lu-PSMA is an effective class of therapy for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC); however, progression is inevitable. The limited durability of response may be partially explained by the presence of micrometastatic deposits, which are energy-sheltered and receive low absorbed radiation with 177Lu due to the approximately 0.7-mm mean pathlength. 161Tb has abundant emission of Auger and conversion electrons that deposit a higher concentration of radiation over a shorter path, particularly to single tumor cells and micrometastases. 161Tb has shown invitro and invivo efficacy superior to that of 177Lu. We aim to demonstrate that [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-I&T will deliver effective radiation to sites of metastatic prostate cancer with an acceptable safety profile. Methods: This single-center, single-arm, phase I/II trial will recruit 30 patients with mCRPC. Key eligibility criteria include a diagnosis of mCRPC with progression after at least one line of taxane chemotherapy (unless medically unsuitable) and androgen receptor pathway inhibitor; prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive disease on [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 or [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT (SUVmax ≥ 20); no sites of discordance on [18F]FDG PET/CT; adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function; an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of no more than 2, and no prior treatment with another radioisotope. The dose escalation is a 3 + 3 design to establish the safety of 3 prespecified activities of [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-I&T (4.4, 5.5, and 7.4 GBq). The maximum tolerated dose will be defined as the highest activity level at which a dose-limiting toxicity occurs in fewer than 2 of 6 participants. The dose expansion will include 24 participants at the maximum tolerated dose. Up to 6 cycles of [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-I&T will be administered intravenously every 6 wk, with each subsequent activity reduced by 0.4 GBq. The coprimary objectives are to establish the maximum tolerated dose and safety profile (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0) of [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-I&T. Secondary objectives include measuring absorbed radiation dose (Gy), evaluating antitumor activity (prostate-specific antigen 50% response rate, radiographic and prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate), and evaluating pain (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form) and health-related quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Radionuclide Therapy). Conclusion: Enrollment was completed in February 2024. Patients are still receiving [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-I&T.

Human-made small reservoirs alter dryland hydrological connectivity

Our research shed light on the distribution, number, and impact of small reservoirs (SRs) on rural dryland water availability and hydrology. We measured the storage capacity, relationship to environmental variables, and effects on the hydrology of all SRs (1225) found within a Sonoran Desert basin. SRs were predominantly associated with Tertiary conglomerates and Quaternary alluvium and were less common in extrusive rocks. A higher concentration of reservoirs was observed in woodlands and thornscrub, with fewer SRs in desertscrub than anticipated by chance. The average size of these small reservoirs was 5205 m2. All SRs reached full storage capacity during the rainy season, but only 20 % retained water throughout the year. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a significant impact on basin connectivity, with only 41 % of superficial drainage being connected. Notably, two large dams were found to disconnect 26 % of the basin. Despite their relatively small watershed footprint, SRs were found to be responsible for disconnecting 33 % of the total basin area. The magnitude of rainfall events played a crucial role in connectivity dynamics. Low-magnitude rainfall events led to sediment retention in SRs, reducing connectivity, while moderate events increased connectivity by repeatedly filling SRs. High-magnitude events reshaped channels, transported sediments, and enhanced overall connectivity. The concentration of SRs in the upper reaches of the basin coincides with higher stocking rates. SRs, are relatively recent additions to desert landscapes, impacting ecological dynamics. Their construction and use fragment an already disjointed basin, thereby restricting water retention by larger dams. These findings emphasize the intricate relationship between SRs, rainfall occurrences, and the overall connectivity of the basin. We underline that documenting the cumulative effects of SRs yields valuable insights for managing water resources in arid ecosystems.

Butyrate induces higher host transcriptional changes to inhibit porcine epidemic diarrhea virus strain CV777 infection in porcine intestine epithelial cells

Newborn piglets’ health is seriously threatened by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which also has a significant effect on the pig industry. The gut microbiota produces butyrate, an abundant metabolite that modulates intestinal function through many methods to improve immunological and intestinal barrier function. The objective of this investigation was to ascertain how elevated butyrate concentrations impacted the host transcriptional profile of PEDV CV777 strain infection. Our findings showed that higher concentrations of butyrate have a stronger inhibitory effect on PEDV CV777 strain infection. According to RNA-seq data, higher concentrations of butyrate induced more significant transcriptional changes in IPEC-J2 cells, and signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT may play a role in the inhibition of PEDV CV777 strain by high concentrations of butyrate. Ultimately, we offer a theoretical and experimental framework for future research and development of novel approaches to harness butyrate’s antiviral infection properties.

The usefulness of determining plasma and tissue concentrations of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotides to estimate their efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.

Currently four kinds of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) such as viltolarsen have been approved for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); however, it is unclear whether human efficacy can be estimated using plasma concentrations. This study summarizes the tissue distribution of viltolarsen in mice and cynomolgus monkeys and evaluates the relationship between exposure and efficacy based on exon skipping. In the tissue distribution studies, all muscles in DMD model mice showed higher concentrations of viltolarsen than those in wild-type mice and cynomolgus monkeys, and the concentrations in skeletal muscle were correlated with the exon-skipping efficiency in mice and cynomolgus monkeys. In addition, a highly sensitive bioanalytical method using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry shows promise for determining plasma concentrations up to a later time point, and the tissue (muscle)/plasma concentration ratio (Kp) in DMD model mice was shown to be useful for predicting changes in pharmacodynamic (PD) markers in humans. Our results suggest that pharmacokinetic (PK)/PD analysis can be conducted by using the human PK profile or Kp values and skipping efficiency in DMD model mice. This information will be useful for the efficient and effective development of PMOs as therapeutic agents. Significance Statement We compare that plasma and tissue concentrations with the efficiency of exon skipping for viltolarsen as an example phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers in skeletal and cardiac muscle of mice and cynomolgus monkeys for pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) analysis. Our results suggest that PK/PD analysis can be conducted by using the human PK profile or Kp values and skipping efficiency in DMD model mice.

Preparation, characterization and antioxidant and anticancerous potential of Quercetin loaded β-glucan particles derived from mushroom and yeast

β-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of various fungi, bacteria and cereals. β-glucan have been found to show various kinds of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic antioxidant and anticancerous activities. In the present study, we have isolated β-glucan from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus and tested their antioxidant potential and anticancerous activity against prostate cancer cell line PC3. Particles were characterized with zeta sizer and further with FTIR that confirmed that the isolated particles are β-glucan and alginate sealing made slow and sustained release of the Quercetin from the β-glucan particles. Morphological analysis of the hollow and Quercetin loaded β-glucan was performed with the SEM analysis and stability was analyzed with TGA and DSC analysis that showed the higher stability of the alginate sealed particles. Assessments of the antioxidant potential showed that Quercetin loaded particles were having higher antioxidant activity than hollow β-glucan particles. Cell viability of the PC3 cells was examined with MTT assay and it was found that Quercetin loaded alginate sealed Agaricus bisporus derived β-glucan particles were having lowest IC50. Further ROS generation was found to increase in a dose dependent manner. Apoptosis detection was carried out with Propidium iodide and AO/EtBr staining dye which showed significant death in the cells treated with higher concentration of the particles. Study showed that particles derived from both of the sources were having efficient anticancer activity and showing a dose dependent increase in cell death in PC3 cells upon treatment.

Marijuana Use and Hemoglobin Concentrations in NHANES 2009-2018: Implications for Subclinical Hypoxemia.

Cannabis use is rapidly growing in the United States, but its health implications are poorly understood, particularly when compared with cigarette smoking. Previous research conducted on animal models or non-representative populations with small sample sizes has yielded mixed results on the impact of marijuana use on hemoglobin levels, which may reflect subclinical hypoxemia and/or carbon monoxide exposure. We evaluated the association between marijuana use and hemoglobin levels in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. This cross-sectional study included 16,038 individuals aged 18 to 59 years enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. We related current and former marijuana use with measured hemoglobin levels, with adjustment for demographics, education, housing, and cigarette smoking status in multivariable analyses that incorporated complex survey weights. As candidate positive and negative control exposures, we used similar methods to relate cigarette smoking and benzodiazepine use, respectively, with hemoglobin concentrations. Current marijuana use was associated with significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations. After multivariable adjustment, compared with never use, current marijuana use was associated with a 0.111, 95% CI [0.021,0.201] g/dL higher hemoglobin concentration, whereas former use was associated with a 0.047, 95% CI [-0.018,0.113] g/dL higher concentration (linear trend p=0.01). As hypothesized, cigarette smoking was also associated with higher hemoglobin concentrations, while benzodiazepine use was not. Among American adults, current marijuana use was associated with higher hemoglobin concentrations, as is cigarette smoking but not benzodiazepine use. These results suggest the possibility that marijuana smoking induces subclinical hypoxemia stimulating hemoglobin production. Further confirmation of this observational finding is needed, in light of the increasing medical and recreational use of smoked marijuana products.

Evaluation of the mechanism of action of paracetamol, drotaverine, and peppermint oil and their effects in combination with hyoscine butylbromide on colonic motility: human ex-vivo study

IntroductionDrotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil are often prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasm and pain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these drugs alone and combined with the well-known antispasmodic hyoscine butylbromide on the human colon.MethodsColon samples were obtained from macroscopically normal regions of 68 patients undergoing surgery and studied in muscle bath. Drotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil were tested alone and in combination with hyoscine butylbromide on (1) spontaneous contractility induced by isometric stretch (in the presence of 1 µM tetrodotoxin) and (2) contractility induced by 10–5 M carbachol and after (3) electrical field stimulation-induced selective stimulation of excitatory (in the presence of 1 mM Nω-nitro-L-arginine and 10 µM MRS2179) and (4) inhibitory (under non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic conditions) pathways. (5) Drotaverine alone was also tested on cAMP-dependent pathway activated by forskolin.ResultsCompared with the vehicle, drotaverine and paracetamol (10−9–10−5 M) did not modify spontaneous contractions, carbachol-induced contractions, and responses attributed to selective activation of excitatory pathways. The addition of hyoscine butylbromide (10−7–10−5 M), concentration-dependently reduced myogenic contractions and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractile responses. The association of paracetamol (10−4 M) and hyoscine butylbromide (10−7–10−5 M) was not different from hyoscine butylbromide alone (10−7–10−5 M). At higher concentrations (10−3M–3*10−3 M), paracetamol decreased myogenic and carbachol-induced contractions. The adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, concentration-dependently reduced contractility, leading to smooth muscle relaxation. The effect of forskolin 10–7 M was concentration-dependently enhanced by drotaverine (10−6M–10−5M).DiscussionPeppermint oil reduced myogenic activity and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractions. The association of hyoscine butylbromide and peppermint oil was synergistic since the interaction index measured with the isobologram was lower than 1. No effect was seen on the neural-mediated inhibitory responses with any of the drugs studied although peppermint oil reduced the subsequent off-contraction. Drotaverine and hyoscine butylbromide have a complementary effect on human colon motility as one stimulates the cAMP inhibitory pathway and the other inhibits the excitatory pathway. Peppermint oil is synergic with hyoscine butylbromide suggesting that a combination therapy may be more effective in treating patients. In contrast, at therapeutic concentrations, paracetamol does not modify colonic contractility, suggesting that the association of paracetamol and hyoscine butylbromide has independent analgesic and antispasmodic properties.

Effects of copper, and aluminium in ionic, and nanoparticulate form on growth rate and gene expression of Setaria italica seedlings

This study aims to determine the effects of copper, copper oxide nanoparticles, aluminium, and aluminium oxide nanoparticles on the growth rate and expression of ACT-1, CDPK, LIP, NFC, P5CR, P5CS, GR, and SiZIP1 genes in five days old seedling of Setaria italica ssp. maxima, cultivated in hydroponic culture. Depending on their concentration (ranging from 0.1 to 1.8 mg L−1), all tested substances had both stimulating and inhibiting effects on the growth rate of the seedlings. Copper and copper oxide-NPs had generally a stimulating effect whereas aluminium and aluminium oxide-NPs at first had a positive effect but in higher concentrations they inhibited the growth. Treating the seedlings with 0.4 mg L−1 of each tested toxicant was mostly stimulating to the expression of the genes and reduced the differences between the transcript levels of the coleoptiles and roots. Increasing concentrations of the tested substances had both stimulating and inhibiting effects on the expression levels of the genes. The highest expression levels were usually noted at concentrations between 0.4 and 1.0 mg/L of each metal and metal nanoparticle, except for SiZIP1, which had the highest transcript amount at 1.6 mg L−1 of Cu2+ and at 0.1–0.8 mg L−1 of CuO-NPs, and LIP and GR from the seedling treated with Al2O3-NPs at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.6 mg L−1, respectively.

Effects of copper, and aluminium in ionic, and nanoparticulate form on growth rate and gene expression of Setaria italica seedlings

This study aims to determine the effects of copper, copper oxide nanoparticles, aluminium, and aluminium oxide nanoparticles on the growth rate and expression of ACT-1, CDPK, LIP, NFC, P5CR, P5CS, GR, and SiZIP1 genes in five days old seedling of Setaria italica ssp. maxima, cultivated in hydroponic culture. Depending on their concentration (ranging from 0.1 to 1.8 mg L−1), all tested substances had both stimulating and inhibiting effects on the growth rate of the seedlings. Copper and copper oxide-NPs had generally a stimulating effect whereas aluminium and aluminium oxide-NPs at first had a positive effect but in higher concentrations they inhibited the growth. Treating the seedlings with 0.4 mg L−1 of each tested toxicant was mostly stimulating to the expression of the genes and reduced the differences between the transcript levels of the coleoptiles and roots. Increasing concentrations of the tested substances had both stimulating and inhibiting effects on the expression levels of the genes. The highest expression levels were usually noted at concentrations between 0.4 and 1.0 mg/L of each metal and metal nanoparticle, except for SiZIP1, which had the highest transcript amount at 1.6 mg L−1 of Cu2+ and at 0.1–0.8 mg L−1 of CuO-NPs, and LIP and GR from the seedling treated with Al2O3-NPs at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.6 mg L−1, respectively.

In vitro Development of Two Alternaria solani Strains, Causal Agent of Alternariose in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) under the Influence of Thevetia peruviana Seeds Extracts

Alternaria solani is a fungus that causes yield losses of up to 80 % in tomato production in field. Synthetic fungicides are the most widely used for its controbl, but have harmful consequences. The objective of this work was to test in vitro the antifungal potential of Thevetia peruviana seed extracts against two A. solani isolates. Aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts, at concentrations 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µL/mL were used. Two synthetic fungicides Maneb (5.33 µg/mL) and Dimethomorph + Clorothalonil (3.75 µg/mL) and control (0 µL/mL) were also tested on two A. solani isolates (Mbal and Foum). The investigation was repeated three times. Phytochemical screening, mycelial growth, spore germination and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50 and MIC90) were determined. The results showed that T. peruviana extracts are rich in many families of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds and sugars. All extracts tested show high inhibition of mycelial growth (100%) and spore germination (100%) of the two strains at highest concentration (100 µL/mL). Acetone extract at a concentration of 50 µL/mL inhibited mycelial growth by 88.45 and 86.55% and spore germination by 88.33 and 80.33%, respectively for the Mbal and Foum isolates. The lowest MIC50 (16.63 µL/mL) and MIC90 (54.6 µL/mL) were obtained with the acetone extract on the Mbal isolate while the highest MIC50 (27.5 µL/mL) and MIC90 (61.7 µL/mL) were observed with ethyl acetate on the Foum isolate These extracts can therefore be used in the biological control against Alternariose in tomato.

Mercury concentrations and differences in isotopic niches of fish from upstream and downstream of an Amazon reservoir dam.

Reservoir construction promotes many environmental impacts, including the enhancement of mercury concentrations in fish. The processes that can influence mercury concentrations in fish in Amazonian reservoirs are still little explored in depth, especially when we consider the possible particularities of the ecosystems in question. This study aims to investigate how mercury concentrations in fish could be influenced by the Tucuruí dam, considering possible changes in their feeding and trophic position according to the dam position (up or downstream). Fish were sampled upstream and downstream of the Tucuruí reservoir, and total mercury (THg) and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ15N and δ13C) were measured in muscles. We observed three different Hg bioaccumulation patterns influenced by the dam. These differences occurred due to species trophic niche changes corroborated by the isotope analysis. Higher THg concentrations downstream compared to those upstream ones were only observed for Geophagus proximus. On the contrary, Plagioscion squamosissimus, from downstream, presented lower concentrations than upstream ones. The isotopic niche of these two species presented different changes according to the sampled site. THg biomagnification was higher upstream compared to downstream, considering that the regression slope was approximately two times higher upstream versus downstream. THg concentrations in fish were explained by the differences in their feeding habits according to their location in relation to the dam. The difference in THg biomagnification was able to reflect differences in structure of the food web chain in ecosystems under the dam's influence.

Mercury concentrations and differences in isotopic niches of fish from upstream and downstream of an Amazon reservoir dam.

Reservoir construction promotes many environmental impacts, including the enhancement of mercury concentrations in fish. The processes that can influence mercury concentrations in fish in Amazonian reservoirs are still little explored in depth, especially when we consider the possible particularities of the ecosystems in question. This study aims to investigate how mercury concentrations in fish could be influenced by the Tucuruí dam, considering possible changes in their feeding and trophic position according to the dam position (up or downstream). Fish were sampled upstream and downstream of the Tucuruí reservoir, and total mercury (THg) and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ15N and δ13C) were measured in muscles. We observed three different Hg bioaccumulation patterns influenced by the dam. These differences occurred due to species trophic niche changes corroborated by the isotope analysis. Higher THg concentrations downstream compared to those upstream ones were only observed for Geophagus proximus. On the contrary, Plagioscion squamosissimus, from downstream, presented lower concentrations than upstream ones. The isotopic niche of these two species presented different changes according to the sampled site. THg biomagnification was higher upstream compared to downstream, considering that the regression slope was approximately two times higher upstream versus downstream. THg concentrations in fish were explained by the differences in their feeding habits according to their location in relation to the dam. The difference in THg biomagnification was able to reflect differences in structure of the food web chain in ecosystems under the dam's influence.

Effect of Copper Chloride on Phase Structure and Properties of Synthesized Materials from Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum

This research investigates the influence of crystal modifying agent, copper chloride (CuCl2) (0.3, 0.45, and 0.6 g), on the phase structure and characteristics of materials derived from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum. The raw material underwent hydrothermal transformation with 0.01 M H2SO4 at 90°C for 1 hour. XRD analysis revealed a notable shift in phase structure from hexagonal calcium sulfate dihydrate (DH) in FGD gypsum to monoclinic calcium sulfate hemihydrate (alpha-HH) up to 91%in the synthesized products, with an increasing CuCl2 content. SEM analysis revealed the elongated whisker-shaped particles (110.70 µm to 207.90 µm) of alpha-HH with higher CuCl2 concentrations. Specifically, when incorporating 0.6 g of CuCl2 in 0.01 M H2SO4 at 90°C, the longest alpha-HH crystals resulted in the cast plaster with the highest flexural strength of approximately 4.92 MPa, demonstrating suitability for applications requiring sufficient mechanical strength. Thermal analysis confirmed the complete conversion of the solid phase to alpha-HH at 1200°C. Additionally, the study revealed that higher CuCl2 content led to shorter setting time. These results suggest potential applications of the present synthesized materials from FGD gypsum in industries such as ceramics casting and dental materials, where precise control over material properties is critical.

Potato flour‐based film: Effect of gelatine on the rheological, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties

SummaryPotato flour/gelatine films in different ratios (6:0, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1) were prepared and their properties were examined in this study. Potato flour film‐forming dispersion without gelatine showed the highest particle size and apparent viscosity. As the gelatine concentration increased, the composite films became smoother and more transparent. Gelatine incorporated with potato flour films reduced the retrogradation enthalpy and glass transition temperature, leading to the low tensile strength and high elongation at break. Although water content and water solubility index increased with the higher gelatine concentration, water vapour permeability of composite films decreased from 14.59 × 10−13 gm−1s−1Pa−1 to 5.83 × 10−13 gm−1s−1Pa−1. In addition, it was noted that water contact angle increased from 24.50° to 102.33° as gelatine concentration increased from 0% (6:0) to 50% (1:1). According to these findings, potato flour film with the presence of gelatine showed the better moisture barrier properties.

Efficacy and safety of infliximab and adalimumab in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consists of two primary types: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Infliximab (IFX) and Adalimumab (ADA) are frequently utilized in the management of moderate to severe cases of IBD. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of IFX and ADA in individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe IBD. This study is a prospective open-labeled randomized parallel study that included moderate to severe IBD patients treated with either IFX or ADA. A total of 56 patients participated, with 34 patients received IFX and 22 patients received ADA. Various measures, including Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Mayo Score/ Disease Activity Index (DAI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were taken at baseline and week 14 to assess the efficacy of the treatments. In addition, the levels of drugs and sTREM-1 were measured at 14weeks. Patient safety was monitored throughout the study period. In the group received IFX, there was a notable decrease in CDAI (P = 0.045), DAI (P = 0.026), and CRP (P = 0.023 for CD, and P = 0.021 for UC) levels. In addition, the group received ADA experienced a significant reduction in CDAI (P = 0.001), DAI (P = 0.032), and CRP (P < 0.018 for CD and P = 0.003 for UC) levels. Responders had higher drug concentrations than non-responders, notably IFX concentration was higher in responders with CD (P = 0.001) and UC (P < 0.001). ADA concentration was higher in UC (P <= 0.001) and all CD patients responded to the treatment. The same trend was observed for sTREM-1 levels in CD and UC patients (P = 0.042, and P = 0.015, respectively) in the IFX group. In UC patients treated with ADA, the level of sTREM-1 was significantly low (P = 0.002). Both IFX and ADA have a good safety profile and deliver a beneficial clinical and laboratory response in moderate-severe IBD patients. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT05291039. (You can access the study at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05291039 (First Posted: March 22, 2022).

High spatial resolution inversion of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentrations in Ebinur Lake of arid Xinjiang, China: Implications for surface water quality monitoring

Utilizing satellite remote sensing for the assessment and temporal-spatial analysis of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) is vital for overseeing lake water health and devising management plans. This study focused on the saline, turbid and arid Ebinur Lake, located in China’s northwestern region. The Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model algorithms were compared to select the one with the highest accuracy. It combined Sentinel-2 remote sensing data and in situ measurement data for the quantitative inversion of CDOM. Monthly CDOM distribution maps were generated with a 10 m resolution for the non-frozen months of May to October from 2018 to 2022, followed by a comprehensive analysis of temporal trends. The primary conclusions are: (1) The XGBoost model yielded highly accurate CDOM estimates, with a training set coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.94, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.06 mg/L, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 6.05 %, Relative Percent Difference (RPD) of 4.07; the test set demonstrated an R2 of 0.41 with an RMSE of 0.22 mg/L, MAPE of 22.74 %, RPD of 1.35; (2) Throughout the study period, the main lake portion displayed variable CDOM spatial patterns and trends. The inversion indicated higher CDOM concentrations in the central part than nearshore areas and decreasing CDOM in tandem with seasonable water-surface shrinkage. The findings offer hints for an accurate evaluation of water color parameters of Ebinur Lake and practical references for monitoring arid-region lake water quality via remote sensing.

Dietary diversity and iron deficiency anemia among a cohort of singleton pregnancies: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is considered one of the most common medical disorders observed during pregnancy. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), anemia and micronutrients deficiencies among pregnant women are associated with low consumption of animal products, monotonous starchy-diets, and seasonal consumption of vegetables and fruits.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 198 pregnant mothers aged between 19–45 years who visited the antenatal care clinics in Northern Jordan to document the prevalence of IDA and to describe the associations between dietary diversity, diet quality scores and oral iron supplementation with the pregnant women iron status. Participants were stratified into three groups by gestational age (n = 66 women per group). Gestational age, blood parameters, minimum dietary diversity score (MDD-W), and prime diet quality score for healthy (PDQSHF) and unhealthy foods (PDQSUF) were assessed using 24- hour dietary recall.ResultsPrevalence of mild to moderate anemia was 27.8% among pregnant women. Third-trimester pregnant women were most affected. 52.5% have depleted iron stores (ferritin < 15 ng/ml), of them 30.8% have iron deficiency, and 21.7% have IDA. The (M ± SD) of the MDD-W, PDQSHF, and PDQSUF were 4.8 ± 1.6, 12.8 ± 3.9, and 7.2 ± 2.8 respectively. 52.5% achieved the MDD-W, 68% consumed < 4 servings/week of healthy food groups, and 50% consumed > 4 servings/week of unhealthy food groups. Mothers with higher MDD-W and PDQS had higher Hb and serum concentrations. Those taking iron supplements had significantly (p = 0.001) higher means of Hb, serum ferritin, and gestational weight gain. Significant differences were also found between PDQSHF, PDQSUF and the first and third trimester.ConclusionsMild to moderate IDA is prevalent among pregnant mothers, especially in the third trimester. However, the prevalence of IDA among Jordanian pregnant women is lower than the global average. A high-quality, diverse diet, combined with oral iron supplementation and food fortification with iron, will help improve iron status, prevent anemia, and reduce its prevalence.

Adipose Tissue Sex Steroids in Postmenopausal Women with and without Menopausal Hormone Therapy.

The decrease in serum estrogens after menopause is associated with a shift from a gynoid to an android adipose tissue (AT) distribution. Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) mitigates this change and accompanying metabolic dysfunction, but its effects on AT sex steroid metabolism have not been characterized. We studied effects of HT on subcutaneous and visceral AT estrogen and androgen concentrations and metabolism in postmenopausal women. Serum and subcutaneous and visceral AT from 63 postmenopausal women with (n=50) and without (n=13) per oral HT were analyzed for estrone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and serum estrone sulfate using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Steroid sulfatase activity was measured using radiolabeled precursors. mRNA expression of genes encoding sex steroid-metabolizing enzymes and receptors was performed using real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HT users had 4- to 7-fold higher concentrations of estrone and estradiol in subcutaneous and visceral AT, and 30% lower testosterone in visceral AT compared to non-users. Estrogen-to-androgen ratios were 4- to 12-fold higher in AT of users compared to non-users of HT. In visceral AT, estrogen-to-androgen ratios increased with HT estradiol dose. AT to serum ratios of estrone and estradiol remained high in HT users. Higher local estrogen to androgen ratios and high AT to serum ratios of estrogen concentrations in HT users suggest that HT may significantly influence intracrine sex steroid metabolism in AT, and these local changes could be involved in the preventive effect of HT on menopause-associated abdominal adiposity.

Adipose Tissue Sex Steroids in Postmenopausal Women with and without Menopausal Hormone Therapy.

The decrease in serum estrogens after menopause is associated with a shift from a gynoid to an android adipose tissue (AT) distribution. Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) mitigates this change and accompanying metabolic dysfunction, but its effects on AT sex steroid metabolism have not been characterized. We studied effects of HT on subcutaneous and visceral AT estrogen and androgen concentrations and metabolism in postmenopausal women. Serum and subcutaneous and visceral AT from 63 postmenopausal women with (n=50) and without (n=13) per oral HT were analyzed for estrone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and serum estrone sulfate using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Steroid sulfatase activity was measured using radiolabeled precursors. mRNA expression of genes encoding sex steroid-metabolizing enzymes and receptors was performed using real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HT users had 4- to 7-fold higher concentrations of estrone and estradiol in subcutaneous and visceral AT, and 30% lower testosterone in visceral AT compared to non-users. Estrogen-to-androgen ratios were 4- to 12-fold higher in AT of users compared to non-users of HT. In visceral AT, estrogen-to-androgen ratios increased with HT estradiol dose. AT to serum ratios of estrone and estradiol remained high in HT users. Higher local estrogen to androgen ratios and high AT to serum ratios of estrogen concentrations in HT users suggest that HT may significantly influence intracrine sex steroid metabolism in AT, and these local changes could be involved in the preventive effect of HT on menopause-associated abdominal adiposity.

Response of Aeroponically Cultivated Baby-Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Plants with Different Zinc, Copper, Iodine, and Selenium Concentrations

Over two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Biofortifying vegetables can enhance micronutrient intake through the diet. This study assessed the biofortification of indoor-grown baby-leaf lettuce using aeroponics. Four experiments, two each, were conducted by adding different concentrations of Zn (from 10 to 450 µM) or Cu (from 3 to 250 µM) into a nutrient solution. A fifth experiment was conducted by simultaneously adding to the nutrient solution the optimal concentration of I (5 µM) and Se (13 µM), chosen on the basis of previous works, and the optimal concentration of Zn (250 µM) and Cu (150 µM), chosen on the basis of the results obtained in the first four experiments. Leaf biomass, mineral concentrations, chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, nitrates, and antioxidant capacity were measured 21 days after transplanting. Higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, I, or Se in the nutrient solution led to an increase in their concentrations in lettuce leaves, without affecting the growth or leaf quality of lettuce plants. The simultaneous application of I with the other elements induced a higher accumulation in leaves compared to when I is applied alone. One hundred grams of lettuce leaves biofortified with Se, I, Cu, and Zn would provide the 6.1%, 35.3%, and 263.0% of Adequate Intake for Cu, Se, and I, respectively, and 4.5% of Population Reference Intake for Zn. Our results suggest that simultaneously biofortifying baby-leaf lettuce with these four minerals is a practical and convenient way to integrate these micronutrients into the diet without reducing the yield or quality of lettuce.